When comparing the Panasonic Lumix LX100 II with the GX85, both cameras offer excellent performance but cater to slightly different users. Here’s a breakdown of how these two compare, what makes them stand out, and whether they’re still good purchases in 2024.
Sensor & Image Quality
The LX100 II comes with a 17MP Micro Four-Thirds sensor, offering excellent low-light performance and image quality in a compact form. Its fixed 24-75mm (FF-eq) f/1.7-2.8 Leica lens gives it versatility in a wide range of shooting conditions, from landscapes to portraits.
The GX85, on the other hand, has a similar 16MP Micro Four-Thirds sensor but allows you to swap lenses, making it more versatile if you’re looking to build or already own a Micro Four Thirds lens collection. It has no anti-aliasing filter, which enhances image sharpness, but can be more prone to moiré patterns.
Portability & Design
The LX100 II is a compact all-in-one camera. Its design is meant for photographers who value portability but still want the benefits of a larger sensor. It’s excellent for travel and street photography due to its small size and versatile built-in lens.
The GX85, while compact, is more like a traditional mirrorless camera. Its larger grip and customizable controls make it a better choice for those who value ergonomics and want a camera that can evolve with their photography skills (thanks to the interchangeable lens system).
Lumix LX100 II Dimensions and Weight
Dimensions: 115 x 66 x 64 mm (4.53 x 2.6 x 2.52 inches)
Weight: 392 grams (13.8 oz), including battery and memory card
The LX100 II is impressively compact for a camera with a large Four Thirds sensor and a fast Leica lens. Its fixed-lens design contributes to its small size, making it easy to slip into a jacket pocket or small camera bag. For travelers, street photographers, or anyone who values a lightweight setup without sacrificing image quality, the LX100 II is one of the most portable cameras you can find in this performance range.
Lumix GX85 Dimensions and Weight
Dimensions: 122 x 70.6 x 43.9 mm (4.8 x 2.78 x 1.73 inches)
Weight: 426 grams (15 oz), including battery and memory card
The GX85 is slightly larger and heavier than the LX100 II, primarily because it’s an interchangeable lens camera. Its body is relatively compact for a mirrorless camera, but once you factor in the lenses, the size can vary significantly. With a small pancake lens, the GX85 remains portable, but with larger lenses, it can become bulkier and less convenient to carry around.
Lens Flexibility
If you’re someone who doesn’t want to worry about lenses, the LX100 II’s fixed lens will appeal to you. Its Leica-branded zoom offers a bright aperture, making it suitable for both wide and telephoto shots with excellent bokeh and low-light capabilities.
The GX85, being a mirrorless camera, allows for a wide range of lenses. You can swap out lenses for macro, wide-angle, or telephoto photography depending on your needs. This flexibility is great for photographers who want room to grow or specialize in different types of photography.
Viewfinder & Display
Both cameras come with electronic viewfinders, though the LX100 II has a slightly larger and higher resolution EVF, which can be a plus for more immersive framing.
The GX85’s touchscreen tilts, making it easier for low-angle shots or vlogging, while the LX100 II has a fixed screen.
Video Capabilities: Both cameras offer 4K video recording, but the GX85 tends to appeal more to hybrid shooters. Its in-body image stabilization (IBIS) is particularly strong, offering smooth footage even with non-stabilized lenses, making it a great option for videographers.
The LX100 II has optical image stabilization (OIS) within its fixed lens, which is good for handheld shooting, but the IBIS in the GX85 is superior for more complex video work.
Best Features of the LX100 II
- Leica 24-75mm f/1.7-2.8 Lens: Bright and versatile, offering great low-light performance and bokeh.
- Micro Four Thirds Sensor: Larger than most compact cameras, giving it better image quality.
- Compact Design: Pocketable yet powerful, perfect for travel or street photography.
- 4K Video: Capable of recording high-quality video for hybrid shooters.
- Classic Control Layout: Physical dials for shutter speed, aperture, and exposure compensation offer a tactile shooting experience.
Best Features of the GX85
- Interchangeable Lens System: Flexibility to choose the right lens for any shooting scenario.
- In-Body Image Stabilization: Great for both photos and video, even with lenses that lack stabilization.
- No Anti-Aliasing Filter: Sharper images with greater detail.
- 4K Video: Strong performance for videographers.
- Tilting Touchscreen: Handy for composing shots from different angles.
Which Camera is Right for You?
For Beginners or Casual Shooters
If you want an excellent camera without the hassle of dealing with multiple lenses, the LX100 II is your best bet. Its all-in-one versatility, compact design, and high-quality lens make it a solid choice for travel, street, and general photography. The LX100 II is clearly more portable overall, with its smaller dimensions and lighter weight. It’s an excellent choice for photographers who want a high-performance camera in a truly compact package.
Is the LX100 II a Good Purchase in 2024?
The Lumix LX100 II is still a strong purchase in 2024, especially for photographers who prioritize portability and want an all-in-one camera. Its large sensor and fast Leica lens provide exceptional image quality in a compact form factor, making it ideal for travel, street, and daily photography. While it lacks some features like full touch operation or articulating screens found in newer models, its core features are still relevant for photographers who value image quality over extra bells and whistles.
For Enthusiasts and Those Who Want to Grow
The GX85 is perfect if you’re looking to explore different types of photography and want the flexibility of an interchangeable lens system. Its in-body stabilization makes it a better option for video, and the camera’s overall performance holds up well, even in 2024. The GX85 is still portable, but the need to carry additional lenses can make it bulkier. However, if you prioritize flexibility in your photography with the option to change lenses, the slight sacrifice in portability might be worth it.
In summary, the LX100 II edges out the GX85 in terms of portability due to its fixed-lens design, smaller size, and lighter weight, making it ideal for those who want a grab-and-go camera.
Conclusion
Both the Lumix LX100 II and GX85 remain competitive in 2024, with the LX100 II excelling in portability and simplicity, and the GX85 offering more flexibility and customization for enthusiasts. Depending on your needs—whether you prioritize compactness or lens versatility—either camera would be a great purchase.